Paneer Akbari vs Makhani

Paneer Akbari vs Makhani: 13 Key Comparison Points

Many traditional Indian curry dishes are created using similar ingredients such as spices and vegetables. So we took it upon ourselves to compare two popular Indian dishes.

Paneer akbari vs makhani: how do the two compare? Let’s find out.

#1: What Is Akbari Paneer?

Akbari paneer is a popular dish that is known for its rich, nutty flavor and lingering spice. Originally a Mughlai delicacy, you will find it hard to come across an Indian restaurant that doesn’t serve this authentic Indian favorite. 

The great thing about akbari paneer, or any curry for that matter, is that you can make it as spicy or as mild as you like. 

#2: Paneer Makhani Is One Of The Most Popular Indian Dishes 

A makhani is probably the most popular out of the two and is favored by adults and children of all ages. The creamy, buttery, tomato-based gravy paired with soft chunks of paneer is hard to beat! 

Click here to find out more details about what paneer makhani is.

#3: Paneer Akbari Is Of Mughlai Origin 

The dish is of Mughlai origin (the Mughal empire ruled from 1526-1857), whereas makhani is a lot younger, originating in the 1950s from the Moti Mahal restaurant located in New Delhi. 

#4: Paneer Akbari vs Makhani: Both Dishes Are High In Calories 

Sadly, eating either dish won’t do well for you if you’re trying to diet. The addition of butter and cream in each dish means there is no shortage of calories! It is easy to increase your calorie intake when eating with popular side dishes such as rice and Indian bread. 

#5: Paneer Akbari Has Honey In The Recipe 

Whether or not this makes an akbari sweeter than a makhani is really up to the individual. Makhani dishes are often described as sweet due to the use of coconut cream used in the recipe. 

#6: What Does Makhani Mean?

Makhani means ‘butter’, which makhani dishes have plenty of.

For more information about makhani dishes, follow this link: paneer makhani vs dal makhani.

#7: What Does Akbari Mean?

Akbari, on the other hand, descended from the word Akbar. It also means ‘large’ or ‘virtue’ and is also used as a female name. 

#8: The Paneer In Akbari Is Grated 

The paneer used in akbari is grated, whereas, in a makhani, the paneer is chopped in chunks or cubes. This, of course, makes no difference to the taste, but it does change the texture of the dish. 

#9: Paneer Akbari vs Makhani: Both Dishes Are Vegetarian 

Paneer dishes are vegetarian, although it is possible to swap the paneer for meat such as chicken, lamb, or beef. Many residents of North India live on a vegetarian diet, which is why these dishes are so popular in this region. 

The great thing about curries is that you can’t really go wrong with the ingredients. As long as you have onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and spices, it’s bound to taste great no matter what! The addition of paneer helps to bulk out the dish, and it’s also a fantastic source of protein! 

#10: Paneer Akbari vs Makhani: Preservation Methods 

If you find you have made a little too much or would like to save some for later, you can always refrigerate these Indian dishes. 

To do so, you should transfer the contents to a tupperware, or airtight container. This can then be refrigerated for up to 3 days. 

Furthermore, you can also freeze either dish if you would like to save it for a later date. Curries are ideal for meal planning as you can double up on ingredients and split them into containers ready for freezing. This is also known as batch cooking. 

If you have leftover rice, you can also refrigerate this. However, you should always refrigerate as soon as possible after cooking. Rice that is left to cool down at room temperature promotes the growth of bacteria, which can be dangerous when ingested. 

#11: What Is Paneer?

Paneer is an acid-set cheese made from curdled milk. It is used in many vegetarian Indian dishes, particularly in North India. If you are looking for a vegan alternative, you could try using tofu instead. 

Alternatively, vegetables such as mushrooms are a great meat substitute due to their meaty texture. Sweet potatoes are also commonly used in many vegan curries. 

Read about the difference between paneer makhani vs paneer butter masala by clicking here. 

#12: Paneer Akbari vs Paneer Makhani: How Are They Served?

Both dishes are popular during special events and celebrations. They are usually served with a variety of side dishes, including: 

  • Basmati rice 
  • Jeera rice 
  • Steamed rice
  • Roti/Naan bread

For extra special occasions, you may wish to pair your meal with a wine of your choice. 

#13: How To Make A Traditional Paneer Akbari

All this talk has made us hungry. Take a look at our recipe below to find out how to make your very own paneer akbari. 

Ingredients

  • 450g grated paneer 
  • 1 finely chopped onion
  • 1/2 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic
  • 1/2 cup Cashew nuts
  • 400g tomato sauce (or 3 freshly chopped tomatoes)
  • 1 can evaporated milk (regular milk is fine)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream 
  • 2 tablespoons butter/cooking oil
  • 1/2 tbsp Honey
  • Pinch of salt 
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder 
  • 1 teaspoon dry fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)
  • 1 tbsp Lemon juice

Instructions

  • Add the butter or cooking oil to a pan over medium heat. Add the garam masala and red chili powder and simmer for 1 minute. 
  • Next, add the chopped onion, ginger, and garlic and allow to cook for 4-5 minutes. 
  • Pour in the tomato sauce or fresh tomatoes and some of the cashew nuts. Allow cooking for a further 5 minutes before turning off the heat. 
  • Once the gravy mix has cooled slightly, transfer the contents to a blender/food processor. To do this, you will need to add the evaporated milk until the consistency is to your desire. 
  • Pour the gravy back into the pan on medium heat and add the lemon juice. 
  • Last of all, add the grated paneer, the kasuri methi, and the honey. Allow cooking for a further 5 minutes before adding the remaining cashew nuts and cream. Serve immediately with your choice of rice and naan/roti. 

If you’d like to find out more about how to make your own paneer akbari, check out the video above! 

Recent Posts

Popular Posts